Pittsburgh Event Planner | Town Hall: State of Operating Black in the Burgh

As a black + women-owned business, we’ve gone thru every emotion + self-reflection during this critical time to advocate + demonstrate change in order to break the barriers of systemic racism. The mass conversation + radical shift is long overdue to say the least. We recognize our own platform we’ve built + will always remain committed to our black community + how we can do more to be a part of the solution. We couldn’t resist moving to action, using our platform to connect, support, and uplift our black community in Pittsburgh right now. We hosted a two-part event - The State of Operating Black in the Burgh. It was an evening our city came together to learn + support the black community of entrepreneurs because when you support a black business you support a black family + their legacy.

The night started with the town hall panel full of black excellence that passionately discussed the deep-rooted division that society and our city has created + how we can make a change. Change including but not limited to moving outside of your comfort zone, having conversations that can lead to better understanding + supporting amazing talent. After the enlightening panel, we had a market style showcase that featured 50 amazing Pittsburgh black-owned businesses where guests could shop, network + support! It was a huge success for the vendors as they raved and expressed so much gratitude.

Events + conversations like these are just the beginning for our community. We are overjoyed to be able to bridge the gap between race in our city so that we can connect + support each other. We are committed to keep pushing forward for the black community + always showing our support + love to everyone.

Event Planning: Shayla Hawkins Events
Town Hall Venue: Slate Event Studio
Photography: Adam Michaels Photography
Photography: Wild Native Photography
Videography: Yamomz House
Cocktail Venue: Kingfly Spirits
Rentals: All Occasions + Marbella
Linens: Mosaic
Balloons: Veronica Wallace Balloons
Lighting: Gray Phoenix
Decals: SpeedPro Pittsburgh North
Bartending: Roxanne’s Catering
Stationary: Sugar Taylor Co

Chair Covers: Elegant Chair Cover Designs
Food Truck: Cool Beans Taco Truck
Performers: K Theatre Dance Complex

Pittsburgh Event Planner | Lyon's 1st Birthday

When your name is Lyon, it only makes sense to have a Lion King themed 1st Birthday party! With Slate Studio as the venue, SHE created the Pride Lands of Africa as the backdrop for all of the guests to enjoy. The dessert table was filled with custom Lyon cookies, jungle cake pops + animal themed covered Oreos. We didn’t forget about drinks for the kids, each child had a custom juice pouch with the cutest caricature of Lyon’s face on it.

The best surprise came when Wild World of Animals came to the party with special reptile guests including, a yellow boa constrictor, a sloth, a turtle + a scorpion! All of the guests were incredibly brave, even Lyon who didn’t shy away from petting the reptiles. It was a wild party for all of the guests + SHE was so honored to be a part of it!

Planning: {SHE} Shayla Hawkins Events
Venue: Slate Event Studio
Photography: Studio Hayes
Animals: Wild World of Animals
Stationery Design: Jerron Couture + Loree Mayer Design
Linens: Mosaic, Inc.
Foam Cutouts: Speedpro Pittsburgh
Dessert: Bella Christie + Lil’ Z’s
Balloons: Veronica’s Balloon Design

Pittsburgh Event Planner | Simon's Speedway Birthday Party

Start your engines + get in gear for Simon’s 2nd Birthday! SHE loves when we can be part of our client’s celebrations throughout the years. We have been there + grown with the Arias family throughout two baptism’s + multiple birthday parties that were nothing short of fabulous.

We raced into Simon’s 2nd Birthday with our sport cars + kept the race going with amazing custom desserts from Bella Christie + Lil Z’s bakery. From stop sign brownies, to car tire donuts, to speed limit cookies, it was a delicious stop at the race track. Though Simon is growing up TWO fast, SHE can’t wait to dream up + plan more parties for the Arias family.

Planning: {SHE} Shayla Hawkins Events
Venue: Zone 28
Photography: Fisher Fotos
Custom Car Two: The Compound Creations
Stationery Design: Bellamy + Belou
Linens: Mosaic, Inc.
Foam Cutouts: Speedpro Pittsburgh
Dessert: Bella Christie + Lil’ Z’s
Balloons: MissElaineous Balloons

Pittsburgh Event Planner | Charlie's 1st Birthday Party

It was a Dino-mite 1st Birthday party for our favorite one year old, Charlie! As the only girl cousin in her family, SHE had to make sure this Dinosaur party was not only a roaring good time but also had a few pink dinosaurs mixed in.

With Slate as the venue, it was the perfect space to fill with grasses + mini dinosaurs to make everyone feel as if they had just stepped into a Jurassic Jungle. From the Dino Egg Frittata to the Lava Pool Yogurt Parfait’s no Dinosaur, whether Stegosaurus or Carnivore went hungry. SHE made sure they even saved room for dessert whether that be custom Dino egg cookies, Dino cake pops or a slice of the cutest Dinosaur cake. It was a party to remember + SHE hoped everyone had a wonderful time stomping by!

Planning: {SHE} Shayla Hawkins Events
Venue: Slate Event Studio
Photography: Fisher Fotos
Floral Design: GreenSinner
Stationery Design: Bellamy + Belou
Linens: Mosaic, Inc.
Foam Cutouts: Speedpro Pittsburgh
Dessert: Bella Christie + Lil’ Z’s
Balloons: MissElaineous Balloons

Pittsburgh Wedding Planner | Dana + Harry

This week on the SHE blog we have Dana + Harry’s beautifully colorful + chic wedding! The day started with Dana + her girls getting ready with the fabulous Glam to-Go squad + Harry surprising his guys with matching fedora hats.

As guests walked into the Pittsburgh Opera House, they were immediately wowed by the stunning ceremony structure that was accentuated with colorful puffs of florals not only on the structure but hanging in the room. After the ceremony, guests moved to cocktail hour as the ceremony room was flipped to create a stunning reception dinner room. The hanging florals from the ceremony created great overheard table décor along with the bistro lights strung throughout the room.

The night ended with guests dancing all night long to the sounds of DJ Digital Dave. SHE loved being part of Dana + Harry’s magical day + wish them countless more days of love!

Wedding Planning + Design: Shayla Hawkins Events
Ceremony: Pittsburgh Opera House
Reception: Pittsburgh Opera House
Photography: Requiem Images
Videography: Pictory Productions
Ceremony Quartet: Chamber Light
Floral Design: Farmer’s Daughter
Linens: Mosaic
Rentals: All Occasions
Lighting: Gray Phoenix
Reception DJ: DJ Digital Dave
Hair: Glam to Go
Makeup: Glam to Go